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Dr. Schuitevoerder has extensive training in empirically supported therapies (considered the “gold standard” of treatments) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, such as Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). These treatments have been scientifically shown to be the most beneficial therapies available, and are recommended as the first-line approaches by multiple organizations (i.e., the DoD/VA Clinical Practice Guidelines, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, American Psychiatric Association, and The United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Clincal Excellence).
Signs &
Symptoms of PTSD
Have you experienced a traumatic event?
Psychologists define exposure to a traumatic event as an event where: (a) your life has been threatened with death or serious injury, (b) you've witnessed the death or serious injury of someone else, or (c) you've learned about the sudden and violent death of a family member or close friend. If you have, then you are not alone. According to epidemiological studies, seventy to eighty percent will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives.
Most people are surprised to learn that you don't have to be a combat veteran or rape survivor to have PTSD. Childhood abuse, physical assaults, car accidents, natural disasters, industrial accidents, and sudden medical conditions are also considered traumatic events. Most people are also surprised to learn that witnessing or learning about a friend or family member being killed or seriously injured are also considered to be traumatic events.
In general, the experience after a trauma is 100% normal and does not mean you have PTSD. Feeling shocked, agitated, saddened, or anxious after a traumatic event is a normal human experience. People come to terms with traumatic events in their own way, and there is no right or wrong way to think or feel. The most important thing is to find ways of feeling safe and getting support from friends or family members after the crisis.
After one to three months following the traumatic event, a majority of people start to feel better and life returns to some normalcy. That certainly doesn't mean things are the same as before. You have gone through a major adjustment and things may look or feel very different. At the same time, many people are able to get back to living their lives. They are able to connect with loved ones, return to work or school, or participate in hobbies or enjoyable activities.
For others, life doesn't seem to return to any normalcy or they are unable to get back to living their lives. Maybe you still get really upset when you are reminded about the traumatic event. Maybe you have been avoiding people, places, or situations that remind you about the trauma. Maybe you have been having upsetting dreams about the traumatic event. This is a good time to consult with a Psychologist. Here are some common symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Most people are surprised to learn that you don't have to be a combat veteran or rape survivor to have PTSD. Childhood abuse, physical assaults, car accidents, natural disasters, industrial accidents, and sudden medical conditions are also considered traumatic events. Most people are also surprised to learn that witnessing or learning about a friend or family member being killed or seriously injured are also considered to be traumatic events.
In general, the experience after a trauma is 100% normal and does not mean you have PTSD. Feeling shocked, agitated, saddened, or anxious after a traumatic event is a normal human experience. People come to terms with traumatic events in their own way, and there is no right or wrong way to think or feel. The most important thing is to find ways of feeling safe and getting support from friends or family members after the crisis.
After one to three months following the traumatic event, a majority of people start to feel better and life returns to some normalcy. That certainly doesn't mean things are the same as before. You have gone through a major adjustment and things may look or feel very different. At the same time, many people are able to get back to living their lives. They are able to connect with loved ones, return to work or school, or participate in hobbies or enjoyable activities.
For others, life doesn't seem to return to any normalcy or they are unable to get back to living their lives. Maybe you still get really upset when you are reminded about the traumatic event. Maybe you have been avoiding people, places, or situations that remind you about the trauma. Maybe you have been having upsetting dreams about the traumatic event. This is a good time to consult with a Psychologist. Here are some common symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The symptoms of PTSD tend to have four clusters or groups of symptoms. The first cluster is called re-experiencing. This group of symptoms is characterized as having sudden intrusive thoughts or dreams about the traumatic event, or being very upset when you are reminded of the traumatic event. Ask yourself if you've experienced any of the following:
- Do you have nightmares about the traumatic event?
- Do you suffer from intrusive or distressing thoughts about the traumatic event?
- Do you experience emotional distress with reminders of the trauma?
- Do you experience strong physical sensations when reminded of the trauma?
The second cluster is called avoidance. People with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder tend to avoid having emotions or memories related to the traumatic event.
- Do you avoid conversations with friends or loved ones about the trauma?
- Do you avoid having thoughts or emotions about the trauma?
- Do you avoid returning back to the location where the trauma occurred?
The third cluster is called negative alteration in cognitions or mood. These symptoms usually involve changes in the way the person thinks about themselves or others, or feels after a traumatic event.
- Do have guilt or shame about the cause of the traumatic event?
- Has the traumatic event changed the way you view yourself or others in extreme ways? (For example, the world is an unsafe place or I am a bad person)
- Do you feel isolated or disconnected from others?
- Do you feel generally wary or distrustful of others?
- Have you stopped participating in enjoyable activities after the traumatic event?
The last cluster is called arousal. These symptoms are associated with reactions in the body after a traumatic event.
- Do you have difficulty falling or staying asleep?
- Do you have difficulties concentrating on things such as work or school?
- Do you feel jumpy or easily startled?
- Do you feel very watchful or wary of others?
If you are having some of these symptoms, then it is recommended to contact a mental health professional. You don't need all of these symptoms to be diagnosed with PTSD. The goal of trauma treatment is to feel better and learn how to getting back to living your life.
Interested in a free, no-risk telephone consultation? Call (858) 228-7701 or click Contact Dr. Sage.
You are not alone. Approximately 7% of people will experience PTSD sometime in their lives.
Empirically Supported Therapies for PTSD
PTSD is a serious mental health condition that interferes with relationships, decreases productivity at work or school, worsens physical health problems, and affects your ability to relax and enjoy life. The effects of PTSD can last for decades if left untreated. If you or a loved one has distress or impairment related to a traumatic event, there is hope. Empirically-Supported Psychotherapy has been shown to significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms of PTSD. Break free of painful memories of the past that interfere with your present and future. Get Help Today.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
- If you believe that the best way to overcome your fears is to face them, then you will likely benefit from Prolonged Exposure Therapy. The goal is to help people overcome their fears and memories related to the traumatic event in a safe, supportive atmosphere. This empirically supported treatment was designed by Edna Foa, Ph.D. in the 1980s and has been shown to be consistently successful with survivors of many different types of trauma.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- If you have thoughts that "I always feel unsafe," or "I just can't trust anybody," then Cognitive Processing Therapy is the right treatment for you. The goal is to help people with "stuck points" or thoughts that can cause severe emotional or behavioral problems commonly found in PTSD. In this empirically supported therapy, you will learn how to examine your beliefs that are sabotaging your success and change your behavior in a way that is adaptive and helpful.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Just as the body can naturally recover from a physical wound, so too can the mind's natural processing system move the individual towards mental health. The goal of this treatment is to help clients activate their natural healing processes by talking about traumatic events while engaging in rapid eye movements. The Therapy was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1989, and has been scientifically shown to be helpful for PTSD.
TOP SIX MYTHS THAT PREVENT PEOPLE FROM SEEKING TREATMENT
An estimated seven percent of people will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lifetime, yet there continues to exist major barriers to receiving care for PTSD and other mental disorders. What are the obstacles for people seeking treatment for PTSD? Here are the top myths that get in the way of asking for help.
Myth: "No one can help me."
Response: Some people believe that PTSD is "just something I have to always live with." They are unaware that there are very effective psychotherapies that can reduce or eliminate symptoms entirely. Thinking that things can't get better is often a sign of hopelessness. That too, can get better with treatment. Most people report that their ability to cope with painful memories and emotions do improve with treatment. PTSD is a recoverable condition!
The most successful therapies are cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Medications have been shown to be helpful too. Some names of medications are paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine, risperidone, topiramate, and venlafaxine. A medication called prazosin has also been shown to be helpful for reducing the frequency of nightmares.
Myth: "I should be able to cope with my emotions."
Response: Coping with emotions after a trauma is difficult for almost everyone. It is normal to need additional support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Good psychotherapy aims to enhance your existing strengths and encourage an atmosphere that fosters growth and creativity. Regular sessions with a qualified mental health professional can give you an opportunity to find new ways to cope with your emotions in a warm, supportive environment.
Myth: "It's not necessary to contact a doctor."
Response: PTSD is a serious mental health illness that can have a significant impact on physical health, quality of life, and relationships. PTSD is associated with higher risk of relationship dissatisfaction and marital conflict. The long-term effects of stress and anxiety have been shown to affect productivity at work and result in additional sick days. Why wait when you can address the problem now and begin enjoying your life?
Myth: "The problem will get better on its own."
Response: For some people, PTSD symptoms can get better over time by itself. However, for others, PTSD symptoms do not go away by itself. In fact, there are studies of World War II Veterans and Holocaust survivors with symptoms lasting longer than 50 years! A problem ignored can actually get worse over time.
Myth: "I'm too embarrassed to discuss the problem with anyone."
Response: PTSD is NOT something to feel ashamed about. It is often referred to as a normal reaction to an abnormal event. Biologically, we are hard-wired to respond to life and death situations with the "fight-or-flight" mechanism. This universal and adaptive reaction to threat is alsowhat triggers PTSD! Education about these normal reactions is an important step in recovery.
It does take courage to admit there is a problem and willingness to seek treatment. Thankfully, there are more role models coming forward who can normalize symptoms of PTSD. Recently, the recipient of the medal of honor acknowledged his struggle with PTSD and the support he received from mental health professionals.
Myth: "If I seek help there will be consequences (for example, I would be hospitalized)."
Response: Mental health professionals value your trust and go to great lengths to respect your privacy and rights as an individual. There are health laws that protect your confidentiality and individual freedoms. Involuntary hospitalization only occurs under extreme circumstances to prevent imminent harm to yourself or others. Most people receive treatment on an outpatient basis and come to weekly therapy sessions to see benefit.
Myth: "No one can help me."
Response: Some people believe that PTSD is "just something I have to always live with." They are unaware that there are very effective psychotherapies that can reduce or eliminate symptoms entirely. Thinking that things can't get better is often a sign of hopelessness. That too, can get better with treatment. Most people report that their ability to cope with painful memories and emotions do improve with treatment. PTSD is a recoverable condition!
The most successful therapies are cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Medications have been shown to be helpful too. Some names of medications are paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine, risperidone, topiramate, and venlafaxine. A medication called prazosin has also been shown to be helpful for reducing the frequency of nightmares.
Myth: "I should be able to cope with my emotions."
Response: Coping with emotions after a trauma is difficult for almost everyone. It is normal to need additional support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Good psychotherapy aims to enhance your existing strengths and encourage an atmosphere that fosters growth and creativity. Regular sessions with a qualified mental health professional can give you an opportunity to find new ways to cope with your emotions in a warm, supportive environment.
Myth: "It's not necessary to contact a doctor."
Response: PTSD is a serious mental health illness that can have a significant impact on physical health, quality of life, and relationships. PTSD is associated with higher risk of relationship dissatisfaction and marital conflict. The long-term effects of stress and anxiety have been shown to affect productivity at work and result in additional sick days. Why wait when you can address the problem now and begin enjoying your life?
Myth: "The problem will get better on its own."
Response: For some people, PTSD symptoms can get better over time by itself. However, for others, PTSD symptoms do not go away by itself. In fact, there are studies of World War II Veterans and Holocaust survivors with symptoms lasting longer than 50 years! A problem ignored can actually get worse over time.
Myth: "I'm too embarrassed to discuss the problem with anyone."
Response: PTSD is NOT something to feel ashamed about. It is often referred to as a normal reaction to an abnormal event. Biologically, we are hard-wired to respond to life and death situations with the "fight-or-flight" mechanism. This universal and adaptive reaction to threat is alsowhat triggers PTSD! Education about these normal reactions is an important step in recovery.
It does take courage to admit there is a problem and willingness to seek treatment. Thankfully, there are more role models coming forward who can normalize symptoms of PTSD. Recently, the recipient of the medal of honor acknowledged his struggle with PTSD and the support he received from mental health professionals.
Myth: "If I seek help there will be consequences (for example, I would be hospitalized)."
Response: Mental health professionals value your trust and go to great lengths to respect your privacy and rights as an individual. There are health laws that protect your confidentiality and individual freedoms. Involuntary hospitalization only occurs under extreme circumstances to prevent imminent harm to yourself or others. Most people receive treatment on an outpatient basis and come to weekly therapy sessions to see benefit.
50 Common Triggers for Individuals with PTSD
- Sitting at the food court in the mall
- Certain smells that remind you about the traumatic event (for example diesel, the cologne of the perpetrator, burning trash)
- Seeing people that are the same ethnicity/gender/age as the perpetrator
- Hearing Fireworks
- Not sitting with your back to the wall
- Not scoping out emergency/contingency exits
- Not carrying a weapon with you in public
- Enclosed spaces such as elevators
- The sight of raw meat
- Eating beef or cooked meat
- Driving in the slow lane on the freeway
- Seeing a movie about war/combat
- News stories on TV about war/combat
- Seeing people in the military/ wearing uniforms
- Being near people in authority (Police Officers)
- Not checking/rechecking doors/locks/windows multiple times at night
- Not wearing multiple layers of clothing to sleep at night
- Not bringing prescription medications in case of a panic attack
- Going to an unfamiliar places spontaneously without planing
- Going to a big box stores (Walmart, Target, Costco) without a clear exit
- Introducing yourself to a stranger
- Not bringing your cell phone with you in case of an emergency
- Sexual intimacy with your partner
- Emotional Intimacy (For example, telling your wife or husband you love him or her)
- Physical intimacy (For example giving a friend a hug or letting someone pat you on the back)
- Getting a massage
- Listening to noises of war/combat on the internet
- Hearing a song that reminds you of someone that was killed
- Visiting a cemetery or funeral
- Going swimming or being in the ocean
- Undressing in front of others at the gymnasium's changing room
- Seeing a violent play or theater production
- Waiting in lines at grocery stores
- Sitting in the passenger seat of a car and letting others drive
- Wearing clothes that attract attention in public (for example a colorful yellow scarf)
- Wearing flip flops or shoes where escape would be difficult
- Not going to sleep before others are already asleep
- Sleeping near a window
- Performing at an open mic night at a coffee shop
- Driving on a bumpy road
- Going through an automatic car wash
- Talking to a loved one about the details of the traumatic event
- Opaque shower curtains
- Going to a crowded concert venue
- Being around children in the playground
- Going on a roller coaster
- Seeing trash on the side of the road
- Going to a big box store on "Black Friday"
- Going to a cinema on a movie's opening weekend
- Visiting a haunted house on Halloween
Don't wait. Get help today. Call (858) 228-7701 or click Contact Dr. Sage for a Free, No-Risk Telephone Consultation.